Forest Hills Connection | News and Life in Our DC Neighborhood

Covering Forest Hills, Van Ness, North Cleveland Park and Wakefield

2012 Flashback: History

by

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind? Not in Forest Hills. Our resident historians have been filling us in on our neighborhood’s fascinating history.


  • Forest Hills was once home to a skating rink, bowling alley and an old-fashioned drugstore with a soda fountain. Margery and Mel Elfin give a terrific overview of Forest Hills history while telling us about their own.

  • Then-Vice President Harry Truman lived at 4701 Connecticut. Later, he was the only sitting president to make his home in Forest Hills, if only for a night.

  • A century ago, neighborhood kids studied in leaky temporary shelters. An early neighborhood advocate fought for better schools, and later, for a safe play space that would become the Forest Hills Playground.

  • One of the oldest homes in Forest Hills is the Owl’s Nest. It has been gloriously restored by its current owner.

  • Sneaking sweets, and jalapeño sandwiches: A former Deal student has fond memories of Clover Market and its last owner.

    • Discover more from Forest Hills Connection | News and Life in Our DC Neighborhood

    Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

    | | |
    | | | |